A revised edition of a medieval masterpiece-the first narrative history written by a woman Written between 1143 and 1153 by the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos; The Alexiad is one of the most popular and revealing primary sources in the vast canon of medieval literature. Princess Anna Komnene; eldest child of the imperial couple; reveals the inner workings of the court; profiles its many extraordinary personages; and offers a firsthand account of immensely significant events such as the First Crusade; as well as its impact on the relationship between eastern and western Christianity. A celebrated triumph of Byzantine letters; this is an unparalleled view of the glorious Constantinople and the medieval world.For more than seventy years; Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1;700 titles; Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors; as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
#15365 in Books Penguin Group 2004-01-06 2003-12-30Original language:LatinPDF # 1 7.78 x 2.02 x 5.08l; 1.50 #File Name: 01404489421184 pagesCity of God
Review
56 of 58 people found the following review helpful. Read this book!By Anthony SpalloneWhat can I say? This is a classic. I am so glad I read this before my 30th birthday and before the 2016 US presidential election. It really puts things into perspective. No matter how great I think America is and how much of a superpower it is it does not compare to how long and how great the Roman Empire was. I cannot even begin to imagine how the citizens of Rome must have felt when they heard the news that the barbarian tribes from the north took over Rome in 410AD. This apologetic work from Augustine of Hippo does not only argue that the City of God will overcome the City of Man one day but also teaches one how to engage critics and persuasively convince the reader. Augustine was a Roman through and through but His love for the true Eternal City was always more important. This book gave me an appreciation for how God always has a 'pilgrim people' that He has predestined to fight the good fight. If you are looking for a biblical theology of the City of God throughout all of Scripture then this is a great read for you. It will also give you an appreciation for how the current trend of 'gospel-centered' is not anything new but really old and Augustine was a master at making Christ-centered connections from the OT.For example; on page 971 Augustine skillfully writes; "This is why; as the Lord carried his cross; so Isaac himself carried to the place of sacrifice the wood on which he too was to be placed. Moreover; after the father had been prevented from striking his son; since it was not right that Isaac should be slain; who was the ram whose immolation completed the sacrifice by blood of symbolic significance? Bear in mind that when Abraham saw the ram it was caught by the horns in a thicket. Who; then; was symbolized by that ram but Jesus; crowned with Jewish thorns150 before he was offered in sacrifice?The book is filled with little nuggets all throughout. Couldn't recommend it more!5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A RevelationBy William BI've done considerable reading in what would be classed as "Great Christian Literature" but thought Augustine would turn out to be boring. Absolutely Not Boring. He's funny; razor sharp; and has allegorical insights which are wonderful. His analyses of the progress of the City of God and the City of Earth are splendid...how come churches don't talk about this stuff? For instance... did you know that when the visigoths sacked Rome; they spared the lives of all who claimed to be Christians and took refuge in a Christian place of worship? I didn't. Do you know why? I didn't... the visigoths were Christians (of the Arian sect). Now I'll bet they never told you that. Now; you've got to like reading; it's 2 inches thick with no "pop-ups" ... I loved reading this.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Classic... That means it is a must have!By Caleb CarterThis book dives into so much theology from a 5th century theology which is the father of early Christian thought that just gives of himself to make sure that his legacy and thoughts were kept and preserved. This book is transformational and will give insight into what many of us believe today and why. Answers to questions that we typically just don't know where to find. It is tough; but well worth it. Much like vegetables in your diet!
